By Jake Trybulski, talent acquisition

Building the future and protecting lives is no small feat. It’s the ambitious mission that drives everything we do at BAE Systems. Achieving this requires bold, resilient leaders who inspire their teams.

Liz Newman, a veteran and the vice president of business development for the Air & Space Force Solutions business on our Intelligence & Security team, exemplifies this type of leadership. Her inspiring journey is one of courage and a relentless pursuit of growth. From enlisting in the U.S. Army to seek greater opportunities, to reconnecting with her biological family after being adopted and even donating a kidney to her aunt, Liz’s life is a testament to bravery in action.

Professionally, Liz brings over 25 years of expertise in the aerospace and defense industry. Her business development career spans capture management, international business, program growth and more, working with a diverse range of capabilities and customers. We sat down with her to explore her leadership philosophy, how she fosters a culture of support and how her personal experiences shape her as a resilient, mission-driven leader.

How did military service shape your approach to building teams?

I’m from a small town in Arkansas, and I enlisted in the Army in the late 1990s to give myself a better chance of seeing the world while contributing to a bigger cause. I served as a signals intelligence analyst and Arabic linguist, eventually deploying to Bosnia. My service heavily influenced my mentality as a leader, leaving me with a core motto: "We are all in this together."

We had to lean on each other through tough deployments, which created incredible resiliency. I foster that same environment with my team today. If someone needs help, a teammate steps in to carry the load. The military also taught me the absolute importance of accountability. When I engage with a customer or a teammate, my word is my bond. Over time, that consistency builds immense trust.

Liz served as a signals intelligence analyst and Arabic linguist, eventually deploying to Bosnia during her time in the U.S. Army.

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What does mission-driven leadership mean to you?

At the heart of every solution is a mission need. We provide the capabilities our customers require to execute their missions safely and efficiently. Every proposal we write must explain how our tools help them do things better.

We use the word "mission" often, and its real meaning can sometimes get lost. As leaders, we must ensure our teams understand the specific threats and why our work is critical to national defense. What we do must always remain deeply rooted in the reality of the mission to be successful.

How have personal challenges influenced your leadership?

Taking leaps—like finding my biological mother and donating a kidney—requires courage, but it taught me a lot about human connection more than anything.

I try to remain self-aware enough to recognize what works and what does not. Everyone is motivated differently, but generally, people want to feel heard. They want a leader who removes obstacles so they can do their jobs effectively. I also learn from my team. One simple moment sticks out when a young team member felt confident enough to gently remind me to take a breath when I moved too fast. It made me a better leader for the whole group.

How do you foster a culture of growth and support at BAE Systems?

I strongly believe in encouragement because it feeds motivation. I let my team vent when they need to. We get frustration out, and then we dig in together to discover solutions.

I hold my team accountable, but I approach teachable moments with a mindset to understand. I consistently ask my team what blocks their success so we can clear those obstacles together. Keeping our strategy as our guide is another critical piece. By keeping our efforts connected to a consistent strategy, everyone feels their work is valuable and purposeful.

What career pillars support your own professional growth?

Your career growth starts with your performance, owning it and showing up consistently. Having advocates who provide "air cover" is also incredibly important. These are the people who will open doors and help you step into new opportunities.

But remember, it all starts with you. Trust your abilities and be confident in your performance. Progression takes time, so be patient with yourself. Keep showing up, and the opportunities will come.

What makes BAE Systems a place where leaders thrive?

My favorite thing about our team is our culture of valuing people. I see an environment that allows people to speak and truly be heard.

When you create that environment for your employees, you build incredible loyalty. I am trusted to work autonomously and make decisions without wasting time navigating unnecessary validation processes. Having the freedom to bring my true self to work and use my specific strengths to succeed is a phenomenal experience. I want my team to feel that exact sense of empowerment.

Make your next bold move

Leaders like Liz embody what it means to be trusted, innovative and bold. She sets an example of how these values lead to real progress. Looking for a place where people understand the mission, feel empowered and are positioned to achieve lasting success?

Take a step toward working with purpose-driven thinkers like Liz and explore career opportunities at BAE Systems today. Visit our military and veterans page to discover career resources for service members.